On the hard, no power outlet access

[iSailor]

has anyone used the E2000 type generator, with the 30amp outlet, to charge their boat batteries via the shore power cord while out cruising for the weekend (or longer)? Any downside to this as an alternative way to charge the boat batteries instead of running the engine (assuming you do not have solar) while away from the dock?

Thanks,

 

[Mark Maulden]

Do it quite often but with the other connector, through adapter, in case i want to use it off boat. I put it on the foredeck and keep fwd hatch closed keeping mind CO considerations.

 

[25yearslater]

Some food for thought. I went to do some work on my boat today only to discover the marina owner had shut off all power 2 weeks ago. I picked up a Champion 1400 Watt generator for 200 bucks so I could do what I needed to do. I tested my drill on it while watching the volt meter and was surprised to see it hold steady at about 115 volts. Very little fluctuation. Cheap little unit but the customer reviews were pretty good overall and I am pleased so far. Bought this one from Tractor Supply. Not much more money than heavy extension cords or inverters.

 

[woodster]

has anyone used the E2000 type generator, with the 30amp outlet, to charge their boat batteries via the shore power cord while out cruising for the weekend (or longer)? Any downside to this as an alternative way to charge the boat batteries instead of running the engine (assuming you do not have solar) while away from the dock?

Thanks,

if you have a big enough battery charger on board it is actually better than using the engine especially if you don't have a hi tech alt system

 

[Ken Cross]

The car battery route does work for small loads, but cars aren't intended to handle big sustained loads.
Keeping the car running will help. It still depends on how big the alternator, battery and load are.

I've run small tools that way (drill, multi tool) but never tried a big load.
It should be fine for small loads. Remember that when you convert 12 volts to 120 it requires 10 times the current plus whatever losses are present in the inverter. So think of a 6 amp 115vac load as 70 or so on your car battery.
Ken

 

[MitchM]

IMHO the car battery/ 12v to 120v inverter that plugs into the 12v dash outlet is a very inefficient way to power a tool that has a high amp draw. plus you'd be running your car engine to keep your car battery charged, blowing carbon monoxide around. better to use the gen. i have the honda 2000e , it runs 8 hrs and gives quite enough power for what you want to do.

 

[CloudDiver]

I have the Honda eu2000i and use it for numerous applications from RV type uses to emergency back-up power. It will run everything in my RV and charge the batteries except turn over the AC compressor, I have to have a second eu2000i connected in parallel to have AC (and I always go to track days with a buddy who brings his). During Track Days we run our tire warmers off the Genny, those things are basically resistance heaters that wrap around the wheels and warm the tires to about 165 degrees - that's a lot of amp draw. For back-up power I only plug my kitchen refrigerator into the Genny to keep food from spoiling during power outages, it has no problem turning over the compressor on a double door ref/freezer. For tools I have powered a standing set of halogen lights while running an angle grinder and having tool batteries charging the whole time.
The Honda eu2000i Genny may seem pricey, but it is worth the investment. You'll find there are far more uses for it than just working on your boat this winter. Remember, its a 4 stroke and WAY quieter than the cheap 2 strokes from Harbor Freight or other big box stores. Worst case, the re-sale value is very good on these units. If you use it for just this winter you can sell it in the spring for 80% what you paid for it.

 

[D&S Adventures]

We have a honda eu2000i, which is great for everything other than starting the 16000 btu A/C unit. I'm considering a 3.5 kw Phasor, the 3.5 kw NextGen, and the 4.3 kw Farymann, all single cylinder water cooled diesel units. Every time I read a review on 1 of these, there seem to be horror stories about how bad they are. On the other hand,I can't find any other brands in the low-power end of things. Can anyone here make a recommendation for a unit that's both reliable and affordable (under $4500) either new or lightly used?...........thanks,Doug

 

[Gunni]

Doug;
I have had the NextGen 5.5 installed and working flawlessly for 7 years. Solid Kubota diesel with plenty of spare available everywhere, not that it matters because all I do is change the filters, engine anode, and check the coolant. US support in Jacksonville, FL. Very compact, quiet cog belt drive. With the sound enclosure it is a quiet hum in the stern lazarette. Make sure you work with a marine pro to get a good install, and that is not cheap.